In the modern day lexicon of India’s talented actors, Nawazuddin Siddiqui finds himself right at the top thanks to the tone and tenor of his body of work. Be it as an eager employee keen to learn the ways of a new office in The Lunchbox or a reporter in search of a big story in Bajrangi Bhaijaan , the intensity the actor brings to his roles and his mastery over craft has been documented artfully in cinema.
In Hyderabad to promote his latest movie, Babumoshai Bandookbaaz , the actor retains his trademark composure and gives a quick smile when asked to share his thoughts on being one of the best actors of his generation. He says, “I feel good because all my hard work and sincerity is being appreciated. I leant a lot in my time in the Industry. I’m a trained actor, and in Bollywood, not all actors are. I think that has made the difference as I believe training is necessary for an actor as it gives one the depth and intensity to pull off different roles.”
An alumnus from the National School of Drama, Delhi the actor shrugs nonchalantly when one says that he is reputed to be a one-take actor. He explains, “It’s really not a big deal. Sometimes it takes 20 takes to get a single scene right and sometimes one take is all one requires. It all depends on how honestly one is doing the job encrusted to him/her. What’s important is how the final product shapes up. That’s where my focus has always been.”
HYDERABAD: TELANGANA: 14/08/2017: (For Metro Plus) Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Bengali actress Bidita Bag at a press conference for their upcoming film 'Babumoshai Bandookbaaz' in Hyderabad on Sunday. Photo: G. Ramakrishna
Quiz about his latest movie Babumoshai Bandookbaaz , an action and comedy entertainer which sees Nawazuddin dabbling in a different genre and he says, “It’s a fun movie. My character is not the adarsh aadmi here, he has a lot of flaws as well as many good qualities. He believes everyone is equal and wants to live life on his own terms. It’s an interesting role and I blindly followed my director’s instructions. He needs to get the credit for everything I’ve done in the movie.”
The movie has been in the news as Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has asked for a whopping 48 cuts because of the abusive language used. The actor treads cautiously when asked to comment and remarks, “All the filmmakers are supporting us and as of now; we can only wait and watch what will happen. We are trying to get some scenes approved and get the movie to the theatres with fewer cuts but will know more in the coming days.”
An actor for nearly two decades, having debuted with Sarfarosh in 1999, ask him about his challenging roles and he initially replies with a stock answer saying that he never did what he did not enjoy before divulging names. He confesses, “Though there are many, I will have to concede that Raman Raghav has been one of the most intriguing roles I’ve ever done. It enabled me to give my best and will remain one of my finest outings.”
On a parting note, he says about Hyderabad, “I love the city. The quality of education, the culture and the food... there is so much to admire here.”
